Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
Co-creating tourism experiences that bring cultures together
Republic of Lithuania
Lithuania and Latvia will showcase Pirtis, the traditional sauna experience rooted in natural well-being and spiritual rejuvenation. Guided by a Sauna Master, Pirtis integrates the rhythms of the four seasons and the use of vantas (bundles of twigs) in a deeply immersive ritual. Both countries will contribute insights into its own sauna traditions, highlighting the shared heritage and unique interpretations that define the Baltic approach to wellness.
Discussion
- Tourism
- Cultural arts
- Historical heritage
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese |
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Track Programme
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
- Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.04.26[Sat]
10:00 ～ 12:30
(Venue Open 09:30)
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- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
The program will begin with an informative session, where participants will explore the cultural and historical significance of Baltic sauna practices. A comparative discussion will then develop into the differences and commonalities between Lithuanian, Latvian, and Japanese sauna traditions, fostering a dialogue on how diverse cultures address well-being, balance, and resilience in a fast-paced world.
The highlight of the event will be live demonstrations by Sauna Masters from Lithuania and Latvia, showcasing traditional techniques and rituals. While the full sauna experience cannot be replicated outside its authentic setting, these demonstrations will offer an intimate glimpse into the craftsmanship and cultural philosophies that make Baltic sauna practices a cornerstone of natural wellness.
Through this collaborative presentation, Lithuania and Latvia aim to share the Baltic perspective on holistic well-being, contributing to the Expo's mission of solving global challenges through cross-cultural dialogue. Together, they invite the world to discover how ancient traditions can guide modern societies toward a brighter, healthier future.
Reports
The program highlighted the traditional sauna experiences from Lithuania and Latvia. The setting was designed to celebrate these unique cultural practices, and participants were encouraged to fully enjoy the authentic experience led by top sauna masters from both countries.
The program began with an informative session in which participants explored the cultural and historical significance of Baltic sauna practices. This discussion then evolved into a comparison of the differences and commonalities between Lithuanian, Latvian, and Japanese sauna traditions, fostering dialogue on how diverse cultures approach well-being, balance, and resilience in a fast-paced world.
The highlight of the event was live demonstrations by Sauna Masters from Lithuania and Latvia, showcasing traditional techniques and rituals. While the complete sauna experience cannot be fully replicated outside its authentic setting, these demonstrations offered an intimate glimpse into the craftsmanship and cultural philosophies that make Baltic sauna practices a cornerstone of natural wellness. Through this collaborative presentation, Lithuania and Latvia aimed to share the Baltic perspective on holistic well-being, contributing to the Expo's mission of addressing global challenges through cross-cultural dialogue. Together, they invited the world to discover how ancient traditions can guide modern societies toward a brighter and healthier future.
【Possible Post-EXPO Initiatives】
Ongoing Cultural Promotion:
Continuing to promote Latvian and Lithuanian culture in Japan, possibly through future events, exhibitions, or tourism campaigns.
Collaborations with Japanese Institutions:
Strengthening ties with Japanese wellness centers, cultural venues, or travel agencies to introduce Piltis and Pilz experiences more broadly in Japan.
Tourism Engagement:
Encouraging attendees to visit Latvia and Lithuania by highlighting unique travel experiences such as authentic sauna rituals, historic sites, and natural beauty.
Educational Outreach:
Sharing more information on the Baltic states' history and culture through digital content, workshops, or seminars.
Feedback & Community Building:
Gathering participant feedback to improve future events, and possibly building a community interested in Baltic culture and wellness traditions.
Cast
Moderator
Petri Artturi Asikainen
Shigeyoshi Noto
Foresight Marketing Co.,Ltd.
Tourism Promotion and Management Specialist
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Speakers
Birutė Lenktytė-Masiliauskienė
Professional Bathmasters Association
Professional Sauna Master and instructor. Her approach blends an extensive knowledge of plants, expertise in folk medicine, and a deep understanding of meditative techniques.
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https://forestpirts.com/
Ieva KOLOSOVA
Forest Pirts
Pirts master, culture and nature event producer
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Uģis NASTEVIČS
SIA Puzuri
Guide-interpreter, lecturer & scholar in Latvian Studies and Japanese Studies with a Ph.D. for a comparative study of Dievturība and Shintō
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Katsuki Tanaka
Cartoonist
Born in Osaka, Japan, he made his debut as a cartoonist in 1985. Books include ‘Oss! Tonko-chan’ and “Baka Drill” co-authored with Seiichi Amaku. Planning and original conception of the capsule toy ‘Fuchico on the Cup’. After the publication of ‘Sa-Do’, he became an official sauna ambassador of the Japan Sauna and Spa Association; in 2019, ‘Sa-Do’ was made into a TV drama, and ‘ Totonou’ became a popular word.
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Co-organiser
Lithuania Travel
Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
Co-creating tourism experiences that bring cultures together
Lithuania and Latvia will showcase Pirtis, the traditional sauna experience rooted in natural well-being and spiritual rejuvenation. Guided by a Sauna Master, Pirtis integrates the rhythms of the four seasons and the use of vantas (bundles of twigs) in a deeply immersive ritual. Both countries will contribute insights into its own sauna traditions, highlighting the shared heritage and unique interpretations that define the Baltic approach to wellness.
-
2025.04.26[Sat]
10:00～12:30
(Venue Open 09:30)
- Theme Weeks Studio
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
OTHER PROGRAM
Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
